I have an overactive thyroid, and due to treatment have gone underactive at times.

I know when I have been underactive one of the many symptoms I've experienced is dry, peeling skin.

Some other symptoms are:

• feeling tired and sleeping a lot
• feeling the cold easily
• dry and/or pale skin
• coarse, thinning hair and brittle nails
• sore muscles, slow movements and weakness
• a hoarse or croaky voice
• a change in facial expression
• depression
• problems with memory and concentration
• weight gain
• constipation
• fertility problems and increased risk of miscarriage
• heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods
• a slow heart rate
• You may also have swelling of the thyroid gland in your neck. This is called a goitre.

There are many people out there with undiagnosed thyroid problems... at the mild edge, there may be very few physical problems but experiencing emotional/mental ones such as problems with memory and concentration, mood swings, etc.

Its a very easy blood test to check it out.

Good luck and have a wonderful 2009.

Sue